Court to continue search for psychiatric treatment for Cork man deteriorating in prison

Judge Boyle said: 'There simply are not enough beds to accommodate all the persons in the state who need them'

A witness from the Central Mental Hospital appeared by video link at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Monday to say that they simply did not have a place at this time for the man. File picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Further attempts are to be made to find a suitable location for psychiatric treatment for a 58-year-old man who has spent the last eight months remanded in jail in the absence of a place at the Central Mental Hospital.

A witness from this hospital appeared by video link at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Monday to say that they simply did not have a place at this time for Patrick Sibanyoni of Dundanion Lodge, Blackrock, Cork.

However, the case was further adjourned until February 17 to see if a suitable location for his treatment could be found.

Dr Brenda Wright told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the reason that the hospital was unable to accept Patrick Sibanyoni (58) was due to the fact that all 100 male beds and 11 female beds at the hospital were full.

She told Judge Helen Boyle that in addition to being at full capacity, the hospital had a waiting list of another 38 people waiting admission including eight in homicide cases who were deemed not fit to plead due to their mental condition.

Judge Boyle said after hearing the evidence: “I accept what you are saying — there simply are not enough beds to accommodate all the persons in the state who need them. We are trying to come to a solution here.” 

The judge said remanding the man in custody was not satisfactory but she had no option but to do so again, until February 17.

“The reality is that if that if this man does not get treatment he will never be fit to plead. I will remand him in custody until tomorrow. Hopefully, we will have an update then.” 

The defendant was arrested in Mallow last May and charged with 24 counts of causing criminal damage to cars and premises in the town where it was alleged that he was involved in this escapade while completely naked.

Judge Helen Boyle said the accused was clearly unwell and his condition was deteriorating while in prison over the past eight months.

The judge said: “I am not a psychiatrist but I have a report that says he is in urgent need of medical attention.” 

Mr Sibanyoni came to the attention of the public and of gardaí in Mallow on May 19, 2025, when he smashed cars and the windows and doors of numerous premises at a time when he was walking through the streets naked.